Press release

Japan captain Yamamoto: A lack of concentration in the second set hurt us

Tatsuya Fukuzawa served up everything but a win for hosts Japan against Cuba

Hamamatsu, Japan, May 18, 2012 - Cuba was happy to open 2012 World League play in Pool A. Even though home side Japan gave the Cuban’s a scare in the second set, they were happy to open this tournament with a win.

Cuba coach Orlando Samuells Blackwood: "First of all I’d like to commend my players. There was not enough time between their arrival here in Japan and this game today. But they responded well, and were in good condition. But Japan did well. But we stole the second set, and that was great for us. We got many point through strong blocking as well."

Cuba captain Wilfredo Leon Venero: "I can say today’s game was good. Very important for us, winning this first game. We accomplished our first goal of an opening victory. I think both teams played our best today."

Japan coach Tatsuya Ueta: "First it was difficult for us to to side out today. Hernandez and Leon have great spikes, and we couldn’t dig against that. We need to try to dig better."

On the next three games: "After the premier league there were 40 days where we trained to select best 12 players, and for these three days we’re going to choose players for the Olympic Qualifiers from these games. So I hope they can do their best for these three days. I’m going to let the best players play."

On Kunihiro Shimizu’s injury and the team’s overall condition: "Daisuke Usami has some leg problems, but I’d prefer not to comment on Shimizu."

Japan captain Takahiro Yamamoto: "For this first game our players were a bit nervous, but we tried to carry on as usual. But a lack of concentration in the second set [hurt us], and we lost the game."

Japan player Shigeru Kondoh: "Today’s is my first World League game, so I was a bit nervous. We didn’t feel right today, so tomorrow we’re going to try to play a little more together as a team."

On passing: "The Cuban team has really high blocks, so if two people block our spike its hard to get through. It’s important to mix the center player for us, and my teammate Abe (Yuta) advised me to speed up a little bit."